World of Pageantry

Hey. I've been playing clarinet for about 5 years now and just recently decided that maybe I should take a step up from my plastic clarinets. What would be a good intermediate level wooden clarinet? I'm not a hardcore serious player, so I don't think the Buffet R13's would be worth it for me (in fact, I'm not even sure if I'll be in band after high school). I'm currently looking at the Buffet E12, and I've read some good reviews on it. Would you guys have any opinions on this horn? Also, other suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance!

Anything Buffet, Yamaha, or Selmer are good clarinets. Buffet hands down makes the best clarinets in the world. Side note - be sure you have the best possible mouthpiece, ligature, read set up or your new clarinet will be a waste of money. Many professionals play on many different set ups, so try a lot before you decide.

If you think you're only going to play through high school why not move up to the bass clarinet, it's a much more satisfying instrument to play! Also, you must think long term, there are MANY community/adult bands out there filled with people who thought they wouldn't play after high school.

the Buffet E11 is a perfect intermediate wooden Clarinet. After playing on my plastic when i was starting, I switched to the E11 in middle school. The horn has tone that is similar to the R13 but the R13 is better in tune in some registers. The key placing and the hardware didn't have any problems while i was playing on the E11 for about 3 1/2 years. I believe that all concert and symphonic players should at least play on the E11 and switch to the R13 if you plan on taking clarinet more seriously in college or in solo ensembles.

i personally play on a R13
hands down the best

Here's how you can take a step up...









Learn a brass instrument.

hahahahaha word...

but let's not turn this into another brass vs. woodwinds thread

we all know who would win... <cough,BRASS,cough>

I have a pretty nice clarinet a wood one. it's a LeBlanc Opus II. You should look into those.

I highly suggest using your plastic one if you're going to do marching band. I didn't like marching a wooden one. Whenever we went on overnight things for marching band, I was the only kid in the band who had to carry my instrument with me because we were afraid it would crack on the cold band truck overnight. And whenever it rained, I couldn't play. I have a really old wooden clarinet and in the sun it looks green. I love it for concert band tho.
As far as brass vs. woodwinds, sorry but I play trombone too. I love it for marching band, but I rather play clarinet in any other band.

Confederate Brass wrote:Here's how you can take a step up...
Learn a brass instrument.

This affirms my belief about trumpet players thinking they are better than anyone else. I don't criticize anyone over their instrument choice. Even though I have organized several tuba ensembles, I believe to have a band, you have to have different instruments.

Boninetax wrote:I highly suggest using your plastic one if you're going to do marching band. I didn't like marching a wooden one. Whenever we went on overnight things for marching band, I was the only kid in the band who had to carry my instrument with me because we were afraid it would crack on the cold band truck overnight. And whenever it rained, I couldn't play. I have a really old wooden clarinet and in the sun it looks green. I love it for concert band tho.
As far as brass vs. woodwinds, sorry but I play trombone too. I love it for marching band, but I rather play clarinet in any other band.

yes, I was actually never intending to dump my plastic one. After marching the Rose Parade this year, I'm glad to have had a wooden clarinet handy. I just want a good one for concert, and hopefully I'm looking into some better equipment so i can get to that next level of playing you know?

Anywa, thanks for the suggestions everyone!